1.As per Noise Pollution (Regulation and control) Rules,2000 as amended from time to time, there is restriction on the use ofloud speakers/Public address system and other sound producing instruments which causes Noise Pollution and disturbance to public.

2.A Loud speaker or a public address system shall not be used except after obtaining written permission from the “authority” (authority means and includes any authority or officer authorized by the central govt. or as the case may be the State govt. in accordance with the laws in force and includes a District Magistrate, Police Commissioner or any other officer not below the rank of the Deputy Superintendent of Police designated for the maintenance of the ambient air quality standards).

3.A loud speaker or any sound producing instrument shall not be used at night except in closed premises or a public emergency.

4.The state govt. may permit use of loudspeakers during night hours (between 10:00 to 12:00 midnight) or during any cultural or religious festive occasion – not exceeding fifteen days in all during a calendar year.

5.The noise level at the boundary of the public place, where loudspeaker is being used shall not exceed 10dB (A) above the ambient noise standards for the area.

6.The peripheral noise of a privately owned sound system at the boundary of the private place, shall not exceed by more than 5dB (A) of the limits.

7.State Pollution Control Board Appeals to the public not to use Loud Speaker/Public address system and other sound producing instruments in violation of the standards of noise pollution rules, and to celebrate social/religious functions/festivals etc. in pollution free environment.

8.Complaints against misuse of loud speaker/public address systems and other sound producing instruments can be made to the nearest police stations.

Standards of Noise Level

Area Code

Category of Area

Day Time

Night Time

A

Industrial Area

75dB(A)

70dB(A)

B

Commercial Area

65dB(A)

55dB(A)

C

Residential Area

55dB(A)

45dB(A)

D

Silence Zone**

50dB(A)

40dB(A)

·No loud speaker/public address system can be used during night hours between 10:00 pm to 6:00 am without the written permission of competent authority.

**Silence Zone is the area comprising not less than 100 meters around hospitals, Educational Institutions,

Courts, Religious places or any other area which is declared as such by the Competent Authority.